Chapter Three Hundred and Twenty-Three Yuan Governor's Worries
Huang Taiji frowned and stroked his chin, feeling that Fan Wencheng's guess was reasonable.
Mao Wenlong was obviously more worried about entering the country through detours than others. When Nurhaci was still alive, he reported to the court many times, asking the court to be on guard.
Huang Taiji didn't pay much attention to Mao Wenlong's warning.
The intelligence he sent into the Ming Dynasty told him that the Ming court had not raised its vigilance and made targeted preparations.
For example, in Ji Town, troops should be cut down when they should; in other military towns, they should still be owed pay. This resulted in the Ming Dynasty's Gyeonggi Province having a large number of troops, but their combat effectiveness was very poor.
The army of the Later Jin Dynasty was not even a match for the elites of the border towns of the Ming Dynasty, let alone these inland armies with insufficient food and pay and weak fighting spirit.
Therefore, Huang Taiji already had a relatively specific plan for the battle after entering the customs via a detour, and was not very worried.
But after the failure of Nanguan, Huang Taiji had to pay attention to the threat of Dongjiang Town to Liaoshen. The Dongjiang Army suddenly launched an attack and won, which made Huang Taiji even more worried.
Obviously, after the Battle of Nanguan, the Dongjiang Army should consolidate its territory and rest and replenish its territory. The Hou Jin Dynasty lacked resources and channels, and Dongjiang Town did not receive much support from the Ming court.
But after only such a short period of time, the Dongjiang Army turned from defense to offense, and it was still a large-scale battle. This had to make Huang Taiji and Fan Wencheng consider the profound meaning behind it.
Obviously, through this active attack, Mao Wenlong wanted to show the strength of Dongjiang Town and warn Huang Taiji. If you dare to take a detour and enter the pass, I will destroy your home.
Huang Taiji didn't care too much about just containment and harassment. But the Dongjiang Army had the ability to attack cities and strongholds, so he had to be afraid.
"From the perspective of population and military strength, the Liaodong occupied by Dajin is indeed too large." Huang Taiji said slowly: "Especially since Dongjiang Town has the strength to conquer the city, the overall defense needs to be adjusted."
Dividing troops for defense is Houjin's current strategy, which relied on its fierce combat power and also bullied the Dongjiang Army's poor equipment and weak attack capabilities.
But things are different now. The Dongjiang Army has also deliberately shown such an ability. If they do not want to be defeated by the Dongjiang Army one by one, the defense deployment must be changed.
Fan Wencheng secretly smiled bitterly and said: "What King Khan said is absolutely true. The re-deployment is also preparation for a detour to enter the pass."
Don't speak too clearly, Huang Taiji also understood that with the increase in Dongjiang Army's strength, relying on tens of thousands of troops, it was no longer possible to defend the vast territory tightly and securely.
Liaoshen's status as the ruling center of the Later Jin Dynasty cannot be changed. At the same time, Shenyang will also be the starting point for detouring into the pass. The main force is gathered in Liaoshen. This is a deployment that cannot be changed.
The coastal areas have been abandoned, and now we need to shrink the defense line. At least, we need to shrink to Fengcheng, and temporarily abandon the Zhenjiang Fort and Kuandian areas.
If the Dongjiang Army wants to attack Fengcheng, it must go deep into the land. This is not a place that can be reached within a few or more than ten miles from the Yalu River.
Fengcheng is closer to Liaoshen, so it is more convenient and faster to send troops from Liaoshen, whether for reinforcements or to counterattack the Dongjiang Army that penetrates deep into the land.
As for Zhenjiang Fort, just as Guo Dajing thought, the center of gravity of the Dongjiang Army was no longer on Pidao but in southern Liaoning, so garrisoning troops for defense or surveillance would not be of much use.
"Obviously, this is because the Dongjiang Army has seized on the weakness of our army's defense." Huang Taiji sighed softly and said, "Or we were slow to respond and did not adjust our deployment in time."
Fan Wencheng bowed and said: "In terms of intelligence, it is really difficult to obtain Dongjiang Town in time. This is also something that can't be helped. After all, our country of Great Jin does not have a navy."
The territory of Dongjiang Town is quite special. Jinzhou is in the corner of the Liaodong Peninsula, and the rest are islands. Spies can pretend to be fugitives and sneak in, but it is difficult to send out news. They must use boats.
However, the mobilization of the Dongjiang Army could use the navy from Liaonan to Liaodong, making it difficult for Jianlu to know in advance.
Just like this Zhenjiang Fort battle, it is not an exaggeration to say that it was a surprise attack. A large number of troops suddenly moved north along the Yalu River from the estuary, and arrived in Zhenjiang in just one day. The Jianlu were completely unprepared.
But this is also a flaw that is difficult to make up for. It is precisely because of the need to increase the warning time that Jianlu abandoned the coastal areas and built a defense line deeper into the land.
Of course, this is also due to the small population and insufficient military strength.
On the other hand, Dongjiang Town has a great advantage in Houjin's penetration and intelligence gathering.
The main reason was the Liao people who had hatred in their hearts. They lived in the Later Jin Dynasty and yearned for the Ming Dynasty. The Jianlu people needed the Han people to farm and produce for them, so it was impossible to kill them all.
In fact, many Han officials who surrendered to the Jin Dynasty also had secret connections with Dongjiang Town.
Huang Taiji was also very helpless about this, sighed and said: "There is no way. Fushun has done his best and has done a good job in providing information about the Ming Dynasty."
In terms of intelligence, Dongjiang Town is stronger than Jianlu, and Jianlu is stronger than Ming Dynasty. Jianlu can quickly detect any troubles in the Ming court.
Li Yongfang, the spy chief of the Later Jin Dynasty, was indeed very capable and hard-working. Not only did he collect information, he also secretly instigated the rebellion of some Ming Dynasty civilians and generals, and played a great role in the plundering of the capital.
Fan Wencheng was a little hesitant, but he still said: "King Khan, if I think that I want to take a detour to enter the pass, I can't make it public. Even discussing with the flag master Baylor, it is best to do it after the action. However, I am afraid that this will require King Khan to
Conquer in person."
Huang Taiji was thoughtful and understood what Fan Wencheng meant.
If it is raised publicly at the political meeting, the opposition will definitely be huge, especially if his prestige is damaged. After the troops are sent out, the decision is made halfway, in the name of his Khan, the resistance will be reduced.
As for the name of sending troops, there is only one reason, and that is to conquer the Chahar tribe and continue to attack Hu Duntu. Basically, the banner leader Baylor will not object to this action.
Huang Taiji nodded and said, "Xiandou, this is an excellent discussion."
After dismissing Fan Wencheng, Huang Taiji stood up and walked to the window, looking at the flowers, plants and trees in the garden, and fell into long thoughts.
The two years after Nurhachi's death should have been a very difficult period for the Later Jin Dynasty under the blockade of the Ming Dynasty, Mongolia, and North Korea.
The conquest of North Korea and the expedition to Chahar, Huang Taiji's left-hand confrontation or conflict, finally opened up the situation for Hou Jin.
However, the rise of Dongjiang Town, the mistakes Huang Taiji made one after another, and natural disasters brought Hou Jin to a critical moment of life and death.
With thieves and thieves rising, chaos in the country, and enemies outside, Huang Taiji felt that dangers were lurking everywhere. Not only would his position be shaken, but Houjin would also be in danger of weakening and falling.
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Ningyuan.
Governor Yuan took the victory document and read it for the second time. His hands were still trembling a little, and he felt even more jealous, hateful and frightened in his heart.
They had just discussed with the royal court of Denglai Road and planned to set a trap for Mao Wenlong. As soon as Mao Wenlong arrived at the temple island by boat, no matter how many soldiers he brought, he would falsely accuse him of leading the troops and demanding pay.
However, the great victory of Zhenjiang gave Governor Yuan a blow, forcing his plan to be delayed or even bankrupt.
It's very simple. The Dongjiang Army achieved two victories in two battles. They captured Zhenjiang Fort, ambushed Fengcheng reinforcements, and captured nearly five thousand heads. This was second only to the great victory at Nanguan.
Yuan Chonghuan had to understand the successive great victories, how the court reacted, and the emperor's psychological changes before he dared to take action.
If Emperor Long Yan was so happy that he directly withdrew the grain and salary, then Mao Wenlong leading the troops to ask for salary would not be valid, and everyone could see that it was a frame-up.
This is not what worries Yuan Chonghuan the most. Five years of peace and Liao dynasty is his guarantee and promise to the emperor. But in addition to occupying Jinzhou, Dalinghe and other cities that the Jianlu did not want, and demanding millions of taels of Liao salary every year,
He couldn't achieve anything at all.
Although Dongjiang Town was nominally under his jurisdiction, he was too independent and the military exploits he gained were not counted to his name.
Yuan Chonghuan also saw clearly that ten years, not to mention five years, would be enough for Liao Town to level Liao. Therefore, the stronger the strength of Dongjiang Town, the more he had to control it.
Regardless of whether they continue to "pacify Liao in five years" or use the army's self-respect, the Dongjiang Army has already surpassed Liao Town. Once the emperor turns to strongly support Dongjiang Town, the power he obtained through deception will also end.
"I've met you, sir." Xu Fuzuo came in and paid homage to him.
Yuan Chonghuan raised his hand, with a slight smile on his face, and said: "I called you here because I want you to go to Jinzhou and send a batch of cattle, sheep, wine, gold and silver to reward the Dongjiang Army."
Xu Fuzou said: "Besides this, are you inviting Mao Wenlong to Ningyuan to discuss wages?"
Yuan Chonghuan lowered his eyes and said in a deep voice: "I want to bring you the words, but Mao Wenlong probably won't come."
Xu Fuzou knew that Yuan Chonghuan had written a handwritten letter, but Mao Wenlong continued to refuse because he was busy with military affairs and had poor health. Although Yuan Chonghuan showed good will by adjusting his food and salary, Mao Wenlong seemed to be very wary.
Xu Fuzou thought for a while and said: "Should I leave immediately, or should I wait and see the court's reaction before going to Jinzhou?"
The imperial court had not made a definite decision on the food and salary for Dongjiang Town. Yuan Chonghuan once proposed 4.8 million taels of silver per year, including Dongjiang Town, but the imperial court did not agree.
In other words, Yuan Chonghuan's desire to completely control the food and wages of Dongjiang Town has not yet been achieved.
As for whether Emperor Chongzhen will restore the food and salary of Dongjiang Town and no longer deduct the so-called false claims, we have to wait. After all, no one can say whether another great victory will change the emperor's mind.
But there is one thing. Under the control of Mao Wenlong, Dongjiang Town has achieved greater military success, but it will be more disadvantageous to Yuan Chonghuan.
Dongjiang Town gets as much food and salary as Liao Town gets. After spending money, you must see results. Yuan Chonghuan should be aware of the emperor's eagerness for quick profits.
Yuan Chonghuan shook his head and said: "There is no need to wait for the court's reaction. In addition to rewards, there are also a thousand horses to send, which Mao Wenlong bought with money."
Mao Wenlong was very wary, so Yuan Chonghuan had to show his kindness frequently to lower his vigilance.
"Also, you have to try to meet Guo Dajing." Yuan Chonghuan explained: "There is no need to say too much, just observe his temperament and his attitude towards the court."
The rise of Dongjiang Town seems to have a lot to do with Guo Dajing. This is a problem that Yuan Chonghuan gradually discovered. At least, Guo Dajing has become the third figure in Dongjiang Town and has the trust of Mao Wenlong.
If killing Mao Wenlong can control the Dongjiang Army, that will naturally be the best result; if the goal cannot be achieved, Yuan Chonghuan will have to weigh the pros and cons again.
"I understand your humble position." Xu Fuzuo bowed to accept the order and retreated.
Yuan Chonghuan stroked his forehead, feeling very troubled. As time went by, the situation developed, which was somewhat unfavorable to him.
After the meeting on the platform, Xu Yuqing, from the military department, took advantage of the emperor's temporary retreat from the palace to take a rest and asked Yuan Chonghuan for advice on the strategy of "restoring the Liao Dynasty in five years." Yuan Chonghuan casually said at that time, "I want to comfort you!"
And just a few days ago, Xu Yuqing went to the emperor and demanded that border officials be governed by law. In Yuan Chonghuan's view, he obviously meant something.
Xu Yuqing cited the precedents of Yang Hao, Xiong Tingbi, and Wang Huazhen in the Liaodong battlefield, and pointed out that the employment of personnel has been excessive recently, and the officials in the border areas have long been ignorant of the law.
He asked the emperor to reiterate the law and make it clear to the border ministers that in the future, if the enemy's entry cannot be blocked, the enemy cannot be defended if they attack the city, and the killing and wounding of the population cannot be reported truthfully, the patrol censor outside can report the truth, and the officials inside can refute it.
Impeachment, arrest and punishment according to law.
How could Yuan Chonghuan not know that he was "misleading" in front of the emperor? Even if Xu Yuqing didn't point his finger at him, he always felt guilty.
After killing the commander and seizing the army, Yuan Chonghuan became more and more determined in his plan.
If Dongjiang Town is under his actual control, whether it is the victory at Nanguan or the victory at Zhenjiang Fort, it can be said that he commanded it, and he should be the one to write the victory documents and rush them to the court.
But now, all the credit for these achievements belongs to Mao Wenlong. He can't get any glory at all, and he is frequently slapped in the face by Dongjiang Town, which is short of food and wages.
Yuan Chonghuan is very clear about the emperor's attitude towards money. If there is something that can be done without spending money, or with less money, he will definitely choose to do it without spending money.
Therefore, Yuan Chonghuan would not be surprised if the emperor suddenly transferred Pingliao's hope to Dongjiang Town. The reason is simple: to save money.
It was time to seize the time. Yuan Chonghuan stood up and walked out of the house, clasping his hands under the eaves, thinking about how to achieve his goal.
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Capital City, Imperial Palace.
The document announcing Mao Wenlong's victory was sent to the court first, but it took two or three days to submit it to the governor's office of Ji Liao.
This was Guo Dajing's suggestion. It did not completely get rid of Governor Ji Liao, but it also did not allow Governor Ji Liao to change or report the victory to the court in advance.
To put it bluntly, the military exploits belong to Dongjiang Town and have nothing to do with Jiliao Governor's Yamen, so don't think about taking advantage of them.
"I am going to the Ancestral Temple to pay my respects again!" Emperor Chongzhen's voice echoed in the palace, looking very happy and excited.
With a smile on his face, Wang Chengen bowed and said: "Your Majesty is wise and mighty, and the soldiers fought bravely with their lives, and won consecutive victories, which is unprecedented."
That's right, whether it was Wanli, Taichang or Tianqi, when the three emperors were in power, their victories against the Jianlu were not as great as after Chongzhen ascended the throne, and the results they achieved were also record-breaking.
Chongzhen was still very young. Although he tried his best to be reserved and maintain the majesty of the emperor, he could not hide his smile.
"From relying on strong defense to taking the initiative to attack, Dongjiang Town has become stronger and stronger as we fight. I am very pleased." Chongzhen patted the victory document on the desk and said loudly: "I have clear rewards and punishments, and I will not hesitate to reward meritorious soldiers. Mao Wenlong added
For two levels of skill, the remaining generals will gain one level..."